Authentic Community - Bishop Emeritus Dr Wee Boon Hup
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In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit came upon the church as believers were praying in the upper room. Peter stood up to preach, and thousands were saved.
The church was established, and the first community was formed - a community marked by authenticity. The disciples gave up their personal possessions for the community. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, focusing on who Jesus was, knowing Him more deeply, and doing what He commanded. They cared for those who had less, ensuring that no one was left behind and that everyone was able to live well. They deepened their relationship with one another by gathering around the Lord's Table, trusting Him to be present in their midst. They shared their lives through mealtimes, expressing their love and concern for one another, and they devoted themselves to prayer.
The disciples were motivated by giving up other things so that the community comes first. They were filled with awe and lived with an expectation that God would do something unexpected. The community existed and grew because it was generous and outward-focused.
Their generosity flowed from their experience of God's work in their lives, and the gratitude of what they received moved them to give freely.
In the same way, the Holy Spirit is present in our community today, actively moving among us. We are called to focus on the Spirit to transform us more and more into the likeness of Jesus Christ, together, and to present Him to the world.